Demystifying the Health and Social Care Sector with City of Bristol College

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding careers in the health and social care sector such as low pay, it being a female dominated environment and that it only includes personal care. In partnership with City of Bristol College, our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team has hosted a series of three events to break down these barriers and inform students of the reality of working in this industry. 

Session One – Core and Soft Skills 

The first session of the series focused on the essential core and soft skills that learners need to have to thrive in the sector. Industry employers shared their experiences and hosted learner workshops on key skills such as, Duty of Candor (being open and transparent with people who use services), resilience, a person/positive centric attitude, and adaptability.  

Alongside Barry and Fiona, Business Skills Advisors in the LSIP team and educators at City of Bristol College, these facilitated workshops gave learners a real-world insight into working in this busy industry, from employers who experience it day to day. The session ended with a careers fair, where learners had the opportunity to chat in depth with employers about their particular organisation and potential career opportunities.  

Rebecca Collins, Sector Lead, Health and Care, at City of Bristol College said:   

“Demystifying events open the door between education and industry—where students gain real-world insight, employers meet the talent who will shape the future, and learning comes to life with possibility. The events brought together the voices of the industry and the voices of the students who are on their journey into that industry. These “real-world” interactions allow participants to share expertise, lived experiences, new perspectives, and everything in between.  

Employers gain insight into who their future employees might be, while students receive current, real-time information about the essential skills needed.  

Overall, the events bring their courses to life and inspire students about their future.” 

Wayne Giles, from Silva Care, who attended each session as a provider, commented: 

“It was nice to see the next generation making their first steps into a rewarding sector.” 

A student who attended the session said: 

“I will remember the practical skills that added a lot to my life..” 

Session Two  – English Speakers of Other Languages 

The second event in the series brought together English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students to learn more about day-to-day tasks from employers and to explore career pathways available to them.  

Skills for Care attended the session to address common misconceptions in the sector such as the belife that there are few to no career pathways. Our Business Skills Advisors and the employers who attended the event facilitated workshops on the key skills needed in the sector. 

The day ended again with a careers fair to highlight the providers' businesses and the benefits of working for them, creating connections that could lead to the first step in students’ careers. 

Cathy Bowstead, Director of Foundation Learning and Skills at City of Bristol College said:  

“City of Bristol College and Business West have collaborated to plan and deliver three highly successful events-Demystifying working in Health Education and Care.  

The model created has, with appropriate adjustments, met the needs of very different student cohorts, at three different campuses, from those just starting their post 16 education, to adults whose first language is not English to those young people who may progress onto university or higher apprenticeships.  

These events were not possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of key employers and HE (Higher Education) institutions who ensured that the events were inspiring, accessible, inclusive, and above all informative in relation to supporting our students onto pathways to employment in this sector.” 

Fiona Malpas, Business Skills Advisor at Business West:   

“The Demystifying event series has been a huge success, demonstrating how collaboration and shared experience can generate valuable insight, learning, and growth for everyone involved. This model, which brings together FE (Further Education) providers, employers, and learners through LSIP activities to highlight challenges and address key issues, has revealed the essential skills needed in today’s workplace. It has given learners a behind-the-scenes view of the sector they aspire to join, while providing employers with meaningful opportunities to engage with future talent.  

A particular highlight for me has been watching students grow in confidence and recognise how essential skills, such as resilience, are applied in real social care environments. It has also been encouraging to see employers revisit their recruitment practices to ensure they align with the expectations and values of the young people they hope to welcome into their workforce.   

This model will continue to be used in partnership with other FE and HE providers and expanded across a range of sectors throughout the region. Watch this space!” 

A student who attended the session said: 

“It was a special experience and made me think.” 

Session Three – Data, Digital and Technology 

The final session focused on technology. 30 students joined us for workshops that highlighted robotics in healthcare, explained the day-to-day tech involved in care, and showcased devices that enable personalised patient care. The students engaged with the technology through innovative roleplay.  

Students also had the opportunity to speak further with tech researchers from the University of the West of England and care providers who attended the event.  

Yikun Wang, a researcher from the University of the West of England, who demonstrated tech to the learners said:  

“It was a pleasure to take part in the event and to share our work in socially assistive robotics (SARs) with the students. Engaging with future healthcare professionals in this way helps to connect research and practice and supports a deeper understanding of how robotics can effectively help healthcare.”   

 Barry Tugwood commented,   

“These events connected health and social care students with employers and experts, unlocking insights into how technology drives smarter, more efficient healthcare. At the same time, they helped to equip the next generation with the skills and awareness essential for a digitally empowered workforce.” 

A student who attended the session said:  

“The event was an excellent experience which made me learn about the transition technology will have in the healthcare sector. A wonderful day, met a lot of educating professionals, I would love to attend such events in the future.” 

 A big thank you to everyone involved with arranging this impactful series of events.  

These sessions provided crucial insight and opportunities for the next generation of health and social care professionals.  

Keep an eye out for more events in the future, focused on different sectors and further opportunities to inspire the next generation of learners.  

If you want to chat further about your organisation’s skills needs, book a meeting with one of our Business Skills Advisors today.